Chimney Rock NC offers a variety of exciting activities and places to explore in the beautiful Western North Carolina mountains. Guests of our mountain lodging can explore the breathtaking Chimney Rock State Park, take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, explore the nearby Catawba Falls, or hike the many trails in the area. For those looking for adventure, white water rafting, ziplining, and biking are all available nearby. Guests can also take a scenic train ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, or take a tour of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville. With so much to do, it's no wonder Chimney Rock NC is such a popular destination.

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The Evening Shade River Lodge & Cabins is centrally located and convenient to many Western North Carolina attractions. Within a 5 minute drive, you will find the charming mountain town of Chimney Rock Village with restaurants, an old fashioned general store, gift shops, gem mining and the River Walk.  Lake Lure, which has been named by National Geographic as one of America’s most beautiful man-made lakes, is just five minutes down the road.
        Nearby local activities include hiking in Chimney Rock Park, golf, tennis, river tubing, boating, horseback riding, whitewater rafting and gem mining. We are located only 21 miles from Asheville, where you can explore the spectacular Biltmore Estate, America’s largest home. In 30 minutes, you can experience one of America’s most scenic highways – the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in the Eastern U.S. is 1.5 hours away via the Parkway. Dupont State Forest and its hiking trails with waterfalls can be reached in 45 minutes.

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                                                          LOCAL WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES

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ROCKY BROAD RIVER- HICKORY NUT GORGE
The Rocky Broad River is one of the most scenic rivers in Western North Carolina and a 14 mile stretch of this river is called the “Hickory Nut Gorge”.  The Evening Shade River Lodge property is located in the heart of the  Hickory Nut Gorge.   The Hickory Nut Gorge is a spectacular,  natural attraction and the Evening Shade property in Chimney Rock contains over 500 feet of river frontage for our guests to enjoy!  

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HICKORY NUT FALLS 
Hickory Nut Falls is the magnificent waterfall which was made famous in the Film “The Last of the Mohicans”.  This spectacular waterfall with its 404 foot vertical drop is located in Chimney Rock Park and it can be viewed from our property!  Visitors may hike to the waterfall in Chimney Rock Park.

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LAKE LURE
Lake Lure is located approximately 1 mile from the Evening Shade.  The lake is 1500 acres with 27 miles of shoreline surrounded by mountains, including the rumbling bald mountain.  Boats and canoes may be rented at the local marina.  The Film “Dirty Dancing” was filmed on this Lake.

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Chimney Rock Park - This park offers 75 mile mountain range views, hiking trials and activities.  Ride an elevator inside a mountain to the top of the “Chimney Rock” and see Hickory Nut Falls, the waterfall made famous in the film “The Last of the Mohicans”! The entrance to the park is located 1/4 mile away in the heart of Chimney Rock, NC. 

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The Blue Ridge Parkway - One of America’s most scenic highways and this not to be missed!   The parkway is located on government preserved land and there are no commercial businesses along this road.  Numerous overlooks, stopping points  and beautiful mountain scenery.  (The WNC Handicraft Guild, Craggy Gardens and  Mount Mitchell State Park (highest peak in the Eastern US ) are the closest attractions on the Parkway.

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Mount Mitchell State Park - This State Park contains the highest mountain peak in the eastern United States!  The park offers several hiking trails, look out areas, picnic areas and a restaurant.  If traveling in the Spring or Fall (even warm weather), bring a jacket -it is much colder up there! (828)675- 4611. 

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park - This is America’s most visited National Park which  offers spectacular mountain scenery, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, wildlife viewing, horseback riding and  picnic areas. (865) 436-1200.

The Biltmore Estate - America’s largest home and  George Vanderbilt’s  country estate, gardens and winery; 8000 acres and 250 rooms; US 40, exit 50 , US 25N  in Asheville-35 minutes away. (800) 624-1575.

Historic Biltmore Village  - Built in the late 1890's near the Biltmore estate - many shops, galleries and fine restaurants-30 minutes away - US 40, exit 50 , US 25N  in Asheville- 35 minutes away.

Western NC Nature Center - See wolves, cougars, bob cats, bears, owls and many other animals of Western North Carolina. The center features an educational farm, petting area, trails and an early  1800's log cabin.  Located 30 minutes away on.Gashes Creek Rd, Asheville (828) 298-5600.

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Ghost Town in the Sky - There is something for everyone at this western themed amusement park which is surrounded by a beautiful view of the Smokey Mountains.  Attractions include a  replica western town, saloon shows, gun fights, Indian dancing and amusement rides for all ages.  Located in Maggie Valley --only a 50 minute drive from Chimney Rock. (866) 547-7043.

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Chimney Rock Mining Company- This gemstone mine guarantees a gem find every time! Rocks and Minerals of all kinds have been found here including Rubies, Garnets, Amethyst and Emeralds. Fun for the whole family!  Located in the heart of Chimney Rock Village.

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Riverside Stables - Scenic, guided trail rides, river trail rides, pony rides with spectacular views and overlooks. Located in Lake Lure.  (828) 288-1302.  

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Cedar Creek Riding Stables  - Horseback riding, trail rides, pony rides, fishing lake, petting zoo and packing trips.  Located in Lake Lure. (828) 625-2811

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Wildwater, Ltd - White Water Rafting. (800) 451-9922. 

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Tube Rentals - Tube Rentals in Lake Lure on the river with drop off and pick up service.  By appointment only.  (800) 451-9972. 

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Lake Lure Public Golf Course - Lake Lure (828) 625-2888

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Apple Valley Golf Course - Lake Lure (800 )419-3854; (828) 694-3043

 

Bald Mountain Golf Course - Lake Lure (800) 419-3854; (828) 694-3042

Chimney Rock Adventure Golf - Mini Golf in the heart of Chimney Rock Village (828) 625-8870.

Lake Lure Municipal Park - Public park located on Lake Lure which offers tennis courts, a basketball court, playground, picnic areas, gazebo and walking trails.  Located 1 mile away and behind the visitor’s center -- adjacent to Lake Lure Marina on Hwy 64/74.

Lake Lure Beach and Water Park - Beach and small water park located 1 mile away. Located across from the Arcade Building in Lake Lure. 

Lake Lure Marina - Boat and Canoe Rentals.  Located one mile away and next to the visitor’s center and municipal park.

Old Cider Mill and Gift Shop — An authentic cider mill featuring homemade, fresh, pressed apple cider.  Here you will fine some truly unique craft items from local crafters and some of the finest homemade jams, jellies, honeys and syrups.  Located in Bat Cave, just minutes away.  (828)625-1947.

Johnson Farm- a 19th Century Tobacco Farm, 10 buildings, 2 trails and museum of farming - 35 minutes away; (off hwy 191) 3346 Haywood Rd- 4 miles north of downtown Hendersonville (828) 891-6585.

Flat Rock Playhouse-NC State Theater in Flat Rock- 30 minutes away -2661 Greenville Hwy,  Flat Rock, NC - (828) 693-4178. 

Carl Sandburg Home and Farm- home of Pulizer prize winning author/poet- 30 minutes away--off Hwy 25 in Flat Rock (828) 693-4178. 

Sliding Rock- Pisgah  National Forest -60 foot natural, smooth rock waterslide (lifeguard on duty) -off US 276- 1 hour away-(828) 877-3265.

Looking Glass Falls- Pisgah National Forest- 60 foot waterfall-off US 276 - 1 hour away-(828) 877-3265. 

Dupont State Forest- Beautiful waterfalls in 7600 acres of forest land- hiking trails- 1 hour away- take SR 64 through Hendersonville -south on Kanuga Road to Dupont Rd (800) 624-1575.

Cherokee Indian Reservation - Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Unto These Hills performance, replica Indian village, Indian arts and crafts center Cherokee, NC. - located 1.5 hours away.

Harrahs’ Casino - Cherokee, NC. located 1.5 hours away.

Santa’s Land Theme Park- features Santa’s village with Christmas themed amusement rides, magic shows, children can pet baby bears, baby tigers and reindeer; other animals are on display such as cougars and monkeys ; open May -Oct. Cherokee NC- 1.5 hours away (828) 497-9191.

Coburn Earth Science Museum- Museum of minerals, fossils, gems, and crystals; featuring a 2404 carat opal boulder and 220 carat cut topaz! - 35 minutes away- 2 Pack Square, Asheville, NC (704)254-7162.

Black Mountain- The town of Black Mountain has a charming historic district on Cherry Street offering lovely shops, galleries, antique stores, an old time general store,  and cafes- a highly recommended place to spend an afternoon- only 30 minutes away -Hwy 64 East to Hwy 9 North, left at the Town Hardware General Store, left on Cherry. www.blackmountain.org

Broad River Gems and Mining Co. - gemstones, jewelry and gem mining- hwy 64/74- 9 miles east of Lake Lure (828) 286-1220.

Tweetsie Railroad- theme park with amusement rides, train ride, live entertainment, shops, restaurants, gem mining and deer park.  During Halloween, you can ride the popular “ghost train”. Hwy 321, Blowing Rock- 1.6 hours away (800) 526-5740. 

Thermal City Goldmine-an authentic mine on the Broad river- 45 minutes away- 74 east to Rtherfordton to hwy 221 (Between Marion and Rutherfordton).

Asheville Art Museum- features outstanding exhibitions and a unique permanent collection of 20 and 21st Century American Art, including works of Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, George Inness and Louise Nevelson-  2 South Pack Place, Asheville, - 35 minutes away  (828) 257-4503. 

North Carolina Aboretum- 426 Acres of public gardens, nature trials, educational programs, off Hwy 191 , 100 Frederick Law Olmstead Way, Asheville; near milepost 393- 30 minutes away-(828) 665-2492. 

Western NC Air Museum- features aircraft dating back to the 1930s- Adjacent to Hendersonville Airport, open Mar - Oct, off US 176 (Spartanburg Hwy) on Brooklyn Avenue- 35 minutes away.  (828) 698-2482.   

Zebulon Vance Birthplace and Home- Birthplace and home of Civil War officer and NC Governor- Log Cabins with period furnishings. Off Blue Ridge Parkway-exit between mile post 375 and 376 ; 911 Reems Creek Rd, - 40 minutes away- Weaverville, NC (704) 645-6706.

Southern Appalachian Radio Museum- Educational and historical museum of radios, in the Elm Building at AB Technical Community College- off Victoria Rd in Asheville- 35 minutes away. 

Smiley’s Flea Market- North Carolina’s Largest Flea Market, - 30 minutes away, Hwy 26 W to Fletcher, NC. 

Cradle of Forestry- The birthplace of Forestry in America- (the first Forestry School in America) -offers guided nature hikes,  educational programs, historic cabins, a 1915 logging locomotive, and hands on exhibits- near sliding rock and looking glass falls on Hwy 276--45 minutes-(828) 877-3130.

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OUR RECOMMENDATIONS       t

In our opinion, you can easily spend a week or two taking in the spectacular scenery, boating, hiking and visiting the local attractions.  However, we recommend the following if you have less time:

IF YOU ONLY HAVE ONE DAY:  Chimney Rock Park;  The Lake Lure boat tour (Boat Tour is open May - Nov.).

IF YOU HAVE 2 DAYS:  Chimney Rock Park; The Lake Lure boat tour; Chimney Rock Village/ the River Walk; Chimney Rock Gem Mine;

IF YOU HAVE 3 DAYS:   Chimney Rock Park;  Chimney Rock Village and the River Walk; The Lake Lure boat tour; Chimney Rock Gem Mine; and EITHER spend the day driving the Blue Ridge Parkway to the destination of Mount Mitchell- the highest peak in the eastern US and return via the highway- stopping points on this route include the WNC handicraft guild, Craggy Gardens (which has a trail) and Mount Mitchell State Park OR go to the Biltmore Estate and Village for the day OR enjoy the day at Ghost Town in the Sky OR go horseback riding ---depending upon your interests and finances . 

IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN 3 DAYS: Enjoy the Blue Ridge Parkway; take a day trip to the Smokey Mountain National Park or hike in Dupont State Forest (easy to moderate) where there are numerous waterfalls ; or spend the afternoon in the Pisgah National Forest at sliding rock, looking glass falls and the corn maze; see the animals at the WNC Nature Center and/or visit charming Black Mountain and/or the downtown Asheville attractions; go white water rafting, horseback riding, mine for gold at the Thermal Mine or just RELAX

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APPLE VALLEY- Just west of Chimney Rock village is what is known as the “Apple Valley”.  It is home to numerous produce markets and apple orchards which offer production tours, apple picking, wagon rides, hayrides, gift shops and  fresh cider.  During autumn, many of the orchards offer activities for children.  These groves produce more apples than any other region in  North Carolina and many of them can be found on SR 64  in Edneyville  and Hendersonville (within 20 minutes from Chimney Rock) .   The valley on SR 64 (on the way to Hendersonville) is a scenic, unique drive with lots of roadside markets, pumpkins and crafts. 

SCENIC DRIVES/FALL FOLIAGE- Nearby Scenic Drives include the Blue Ridge Parkway; SR 64/74 NC Scenic By-way between Lake Lure and Hendersonville; Hwy 64 between Hendersonville  and through Brevard; Hwy 9N to Black Mountain

NC Apple Festival- The Apple festival is held on Main Street in historic downtown Hendersonville-usually held on Labor Day week-end, kicking off the harvest season.

Octoberfest Week-end  in Lake Lure- Arts, crafts, music and games at the Arcade Building across from the beach- held in mid-October–1 mile away --call the visitor’s center for dates and times- (877) 625-2725.

Lake Lure Haunted Halloween and Boat ride- Haunted boat tours at night on Lake Lure during Halloween season--not to be missed! 1 mile away. Call the Lake Lure Marina for dates and times. (877) 386-4255

Trick or Treat in Chimney Rock Village– Business owners offer trick or treating -children and business owners alike dress up for Halloween. Check with local news or local businesses for date and time (usually Oct 31). Call the visitor’s center for dates and times- (877)625-2725.

Blue Ridge Corn Maze- July - Oct Corn Maze which becomes the popular “Haunted Corn Maze” near Halloween - take Hwy 64 E ; pass downtown Hendersonville , travel through country a distance to Penrose tri intersection, take a  left on Crab Creek Rd, Rt on Everette Rd.  Follow signs- 50 minutes away.                   
Howl-o-Ween Wolf Howl at WNC Nature Center- Presentation and exhibit of the red and grey wolves of western North Carolina- usually held in Mid October in the evenings. Gashes Creek Rd. Asheville- take SR 74–follow signs-- check website or call for dates and times-(828) 298-5600.

Apple Wedge Packers- offers apple production and packing tours- see how apples are packed, picked and sorted (October only- call for dates) Bearwallow Rd, Hendersonville (828) 685-8349.

Sky Top Orchard- A wonderful place to visit during harvest season with a beautiful view at 3000 feet..  This apple orchard offers  tours, barnyard animals, hayrides, trails and you pick your own apples - 40 minutes away-Pinnacle Mountain Rd, Flat Rock, NC - take 26 West, exit 54 (flat rock), 3.2 miles to exit5- at bottom of the exit turn right- follows signs, left on Pinnacle R.
   
Grand Dad’s Apples n Such- U pick orchard, ciders, pumpkins, catfish lake, llamas and crafts; SR 64,  Hendersonville (828) 692-7930

Costen Apple House- Pick your own orchard with wagon rides and cider (828) 625-8352.

Jackson Park’s “Haunted Trail”-- During Halloween time, this recreational public park offers a Haunted Trial and Childrens’ Carnival-- Hendersonville, off of SR 64 E- follow signs- 25 minutes away.

Black Mountain’s Fall by the Tracks- Cider making, cake walking, BBQ-usually held one day in October- 30 minutes away-Check website or call for date and time -SR 64E , hwy 9 N (828) 667-3842.

The English Harvest Fair at the Biltmore- Michaelmas - a celebration of the harvest with live entertainment, crafts and exhibitions; check the website or call for information- 1(800 )624-1575, US 40, exit 50 , US 25N  in Asheville-35 minutes away.

WINTER AND HOLIDAY FUN, SNOW TUBING AND SKI RESORTS      top
(All of these activities are an easy drive or day trip from the Chimney Rock)

Moonshine Mountain- Winter snow tubing park with concessions and indian artifact mining-     from downtown Hendersonville, take 25 south 8 blocks to Kanuga Rd, Rt on Kanuga, Rt on Willow Rd, stay on Willow at Forks, 1.5 mi to Champion Hills-follow signs–located in  Hendersonville- 35 minutes away. 

Cataloochee Ski Resort- This is the ski resort which closest to Chimney Rock.  Ski Resort and Tubing World, 4 lifts, off US 19, Maggie Valley, NC- 50 minutes  away (828)926-0285.

Wolf Laurel Ski Resort- 2 chairlifts, 1 land lift - snowboarding and skiing-north of Asheville -off US 26 west, exit 3,  Mars, Hill, NC- 1  hour away (800) 817-4111. 

Santa Climbs the Chimney at Chimney Rock Park- Santa climbs the chimney rock, practicing for Christmas Eve– check the Chimney Rock Park website or call (800 )277-9611for dates and times. 

Nature’s Noel in Chimney Rock Park- Hot cider, and holiday mountain music with the hammered dulcimer. Check the Park website or call for dates.

Lake Lure Christmas Boat Parade and Fireworks- The boats on Lake Lure light up for this special event in early December. Call the visitor’s center for dates and times- (877) 625-2725.

A Dicken’s Christmas in Biltmore Village- The Biltmore Village is transformed into a beautiful Victorian Christmas Village on Friday, Saturday and Sundays in December with carolers in period costume, concerts and displays. - 30 minutes away-. US 40, exit 50 , US 25N  in Asheville- 35 minutes away.

Candlelight Christmas Evenings at the Biltmore- by reservation Asheville, (800) 543-2961

Hendersonville Christmas Parade- in early December, Main Street, Hendersonville (828) 692-4169

Christmas at Historic Johnson’s Farm- Historic former tobacco farm decorated for the Holidays; 10 buildings, 2 trails and museum of farming - 35 minutes away; (off hwy 191) 3346 Haywood Rd- 4 miles north of downtown Hendersonville (828) 891-6585.

Nutcracker Ballet at the Diana Wortham Theater- Asheville- 35 minutes away- call for dates and times (828) 258-1028.

National Gingerbread House Display- over 200 gingerbread masterpieces at The Grove Park Inn, Asheville (800) 413-5778. 

Transylvania County Community Arts Center Holiday Show and Sale- regional artists and craftsmen display their wares during the first 2 weeks of December- 1 hour away; Brevard, NC (828) 884-2787.

Sapphire Valley Golf and Ski Resort- 2 ski runs, 4350 SR 64, Sapphire NC - (east of Brevard) 1.5 hours away (828) 743-7663.

Sugar Mountain Ski Resor - 20 slopes, 5 chair lifts, 3 surface lifts, Tubing Park, Banner Elk, NC -1.5  hours away (800) 784-2768.

Beech Mountain Ski Resort- 15 slopes, 10 lifts, skiing, snow boarding, outdoor skating rink, Beech Mtn, NC (near Banner Elk) - 2 hours away (800) 430-2093.  

Hawksnest Ski Resort - 12 slopes, 2 lifts with  snowboard park, tubing - between Boone and Banner Elk- 1.5 hours away.

Appalachian Ski Mountain - 9 slopes, 5 lifts, snowboarding, ice skating,- 1.6 hours away; Blowing Rock, (828) 322-2373. 

First Night in Asheville - Pack Place-indoor New Year’s Eve celebration, entertainment and children’s activities (alcohol free) (828) 687-1414. 

HUNTING & FISHING     top

Fishing - Non residents may obtain a North Carolina license for 1 day or 3 days –the licenses may be ordered online from the NC Wildlife Commission or obtained at the Lake Lure Marina.

Hunting - The NC Wildlife Commission has designated several gamelands nearby the cabin. The Green River Gameland is located 30 minutes away.  Gamelands may also be found in the Pisgah National Forest and the Dupont State Forest which are approximately 1 hour away. Hunting for deer, turkey, and small game is permitted– see the NC Wildlife Commission website for maps,  seasons, regulations and licensing requirements.  Also check these other hunting links for information: Polk County Wildlife and Big Game Hunt.

 

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